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This is a feminist novel – a novel focussing on the best kind of feminism - long before feminism was spoken of. And best of all it’s based on fact. Set in Victorian times ‘Becoming Belle’ tells the story of the fascinating Isabel Bilton, eldest daughter of a military family stationed in Aldershot during the late 1880s.From early on Isabel showed a natural talent for performing; she had a bohemian way about her and a charm of manner. Aged nineteen she set off to London alone to pursue her dreams, determined to succeed on the stage. Within a short time she had changed her name to Belle; set up a music hall act with her sister that was taking London by storm and she and the Irish aristocrat William Viscount Dunlo had fallen in love.They married to the disapproval of his father, the Earl of Clancarty who forced his son to abandon Belle, leaving her pregnant and destitute. Fed a pack of lies by his father, the Viscount filed for divorce. The case made international headlines, but the Viscount lost and returned full of apologies and promises to live with Belle. They survived on her theatrical earnings until the death of the Earl, when Belle became the Countess of Clancarty and returned to live on the family estates in Co Galway.Like with 'Miss Emily' and 'You' O'Connor's luscious words capture the mores of the time she writes about; Belle danced joyously into my heart and I grew to love and admire her ambition and vulnerabilities.I received this in ARC form several months ago and as happens when a story truly captures the imagination, it lingers on. I wondered when reading it and still wonder why the title is ‘Becoming Belle’ instead of ‘Being Belle’? Because to me Isabel Bilton was always Belle.

I'm a fan of historical fiction, and Becoming Belle was a solid one I enjoyed. It's based on a real person, which made it even more interesting for me. The story takes place in 17th century London. Isabel Bilton is a woman coming from middle-class, and we follow her journey to be able to ascent to the aristocracy, at times there isn't even mention of feminism.She leaves her home in London, determined to change her life that's given to her by birth. She's ready to walk over anything and everything that stands in her way. She changes her name to Belle and just goes for it.To me, Belle was a difficult character to like. She also gave some decisions that didn't go with her determined and selfish personality. This inconsistency, and some boring parts made me gave 3 stars to the book.Other than that, I really liked the writing. It was truly historical, I could feel I was transmitted to another time. It's a solid historical fiction with a strong protagonist. If you're interested in these aspects, it's a book for you.

DISCLAIMER: I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

‘Becoming Belle’ is based on the life of a real woman, the actress turned Countess Belle Bilton. Following her life from a teenage girl in her family home in Hampshire through her various affairs and life in the public eye, the novel is a fast-paced exploration of the coming of age of a rather impressive woman.

I knew nothing of Belle Bilton before reading this novel, so I had no idea what to expect. The trials and tribulations that she faces from a reasonably young age make this a rather gripping story that you want to keep reading. O’Connor manages to select the most interesting and dramatic aspects of Belle’s life in order to make her a memorable figure and bring her back into our collective memories. Like the musical ‘Hamilton’, but with a lot less rapping.

That being said, some aspects of the novel felt a little bogged down in detail. Accounts of Wertheimer’s life, for example, particularly his servant Jacob, seemed to be added in for the sake of demonstrating research and developing characters who didn’t stand particularly well without Belle as a companion. The details of Belle’s treatment by her mother also displays this, seeming almost as an afterthought or late addition due to where they were placed in the storyline.

The narrative itself, whilst embellished slightly with a touch of poetic licence, flows quickly due to the simplistic writing style and the short chapter length. This is not a criticism, but rather an appreciation of the way this story becomes accessible as a piece of fiction rather than a truly historical account. O’Connor succeeds in creating a work that allows Belle’s story to become more accessible to those outside the select groups of Irish historians who may be aware of her already. This book reminded me of why I love historical fiction, due to its ability to both enchant and educate you at the same time.

I must reiterate, however, that some major changes occurred in relation to the portrayal of characters in comparison to their real-life counterparts. Take the events and characters of this novel with a pinch of salt.

Whilst I enjoyed this novel, I feel it is more suited towards a Young Adult audience rather than the general adult audience it is listed for. The writing style and the general drama that is presented, whilst intermingled with adult themes, makes it seem more a New Adult title. If you’re a fan of embellished histories that are quick to read, this is the book for you.